Burned in an Accident or Fire?
Houston Burn Injury Attorney
Burn injuries are some of the most devastating accidents a person can go through. Victims face severe pain, long hospital stays, and reconstructive surgeries, and many survivors live with scars that are both physical and emotional. When negligence, a defective product, or an unsafe property caused your burns, you have the right to pursue full compensation. At The Miller Law Firm — The Texas Bulldog — we fight for burn injury survivors across Texas, and you pay nothing unless we win.
61%of burn injuries happen at home (American Burn Association)
2 yearsDeadline to file most Texas injury claims
$0Upfront. We only get paid if you recover.
Quick Answer: Can I Sue After a Burn Injury in Texas?
If negligence, a defective product, or an unsafe property caused your burn injury in Texas, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and disfigurement. You generally have two years to file a claim, and burn injury attorneys typically work on contingency, so there is no upfront cost. The Miller Law Firm offers a free case review.
Watch
Houston Burn Injury Lawyer: What Victims Should Know
Adam Miller — The Texas Bulldog — on burn injury cases.
By the Numbers
Why Burn Injury Cases Are So Complex
Unlike most injury cases, burn injuries often need years of care. Survivors may go through multiple surgeries, physical therapy, and mental health treatment, and the full cost is hard to see at the start.
61%of burn injuries happen at private homesAmerican Burn Association
29,165burn hospital admissions a year in the U.S.HCUP, 2020
3,800deaths a year from fire and smoke inhalationNFPA, 2021
97.6%of patients admitted to burn centers surviveAmerican Burn Association
Figures come from the American Burn Association fact sheet, which draws on CDC, HCUP, and NFPA data. Years differ by source.
That is why burn cases often overlap with catastrophic injury claims, and, when a burn is fatal, with wrongful death claims.
Degrees of Burns
Doctors classify burns by how deep they go. The deeper the burn, the more serious the injury, and the longer the recovery.
1
First-Degree
Outer layer only
Red, dry, and painful, like a sunburn. These burns often heal without scarring.
2
Second-Degree
Deeper skin
Blisters, swelling, and severe pain. Deeper second-degree burns can scar and may need surgery.
3
Third-Degree
All skin layers
Skin may look white, leathery, or charred. Nerve damage can mean little pain at the site. These burns usually need skin grafts.
4
Fourth-Degree
Fat, muscle, or bone
The most severe burns. They can damage tendons and bone and may require amputation.
SurfaceDeeper tissue
Common Causes of Burn Injuries
Burns happen in many settings, and the cause often points to who is responsible.
Vehicle Fires
Crashes, fuel leaks, and defective parts can start a fire. Many involve car or 18-wheeler wrecks.
Home and Apartment Fires
Faulty wiring, missing smoke alarms, space heaters, and kitchen fires.
Industrial and Chemical Burns
Refineries, plants, and construction sites, where chemicals and heat are part of the work.
Explosions
Gas leaks, pipelines, and industrial blasts can cause severe burns in seconds.
Scalding
Hot water, steam, and grease. Children and older adults are especially at risk.
Electrical Burns
Downed lines, faulty equipment, and unsafe job sites.
Who Can Be Held Liable for a Burn Injury?
More than one party can share the blame. Depending on the facts, responsibility may fall on:
1
Landlords and Property Owners
For faulty wiring, blocked exits, or ignoring known fire hazards. Texas law also requires landlords to install smoke alarms in rental units.
2
Product Manufacturers
When a defective heater, appliance, battery, or fuel system caused the burn. Stores that only sell a product are liable in limited situations.
3
Employers and Contractors
For unsafe workplaces, missing safety gear, or poor training.
4
Negligent Drivers and Trucking Companies
When a crash causes a vehicle fire. See our truck accident page.
5
Utility, Gas, and Pipeline Companies
For leaks and explosions caused by poor maintenance or inspection.
6
Restaurants and Other Businesses
For scalding from unsafe hot water systems, spills, or grease fires.
Our team looks at every possible source of responsibility, so one party’s insurance limits do not cap what you can recover.
Burned at Work: How Texas Law Treats It
Texas lets private employers decide whether to carry workers’ compensation insurance. Which choice your employer made changes your options.
Employer carries workers’ compensation
- You can get benefits without proving fault.
- You generally cannot sue your employer for negligence.
- You can still bring a claim against a third party, such as an equipment maker, a property owner, or another contractor.
Employer opted out (a non-subscriber)
- You may be able to sue your employer for negligence.
- Texas law limits some of the defenses a non-subscribing employer can use.
- A third-party claim may still be possible.
If you were burned on the job, call us before you sign anything from your employer or an insurer. Read more about accidents while on the job.
Deadlines That Can Affect Your Claim
Texas sets strict time limits. Missing one can end a claim, so do not wait.
2 Years
The general deadline to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas, counted from the date of the injury.
Children
A child’s deadline is generally paused until age 18, but do not wait to get legal advice.
6 Months
Many claims against a city, county, or other government entity require written notice within about six months.
15 Years
Texas generally bars product liability claims filed more than 15 years after the product was first sold.
Long-Term Effects of Burn Injuries
Burns can change a person’s life long after the wound closes.
1
Skin Grafts and Surgeries
Deep burns often need repeated operations and skin grafts.
2
Scarring and Disfigurement
Permanent scars can affect appearance, confidence, and daily life.
3
Lost Movement
Scar tissue can tighten across joints and limit how far you can move.
4
Nerve Damage and Chronic Pain
Many survivors live with ongoing pain, itching, or numbness.
5
Inhalation Injury
Smoke and hot air can damage the airways and lungs.
6
Emotional Trauma
PTSD, anxiety, and depression are common after a serious burn.
Proof We Gather
Evidence in a Burn Injury Case
Burn cases are won on the details. The sooner we start, the more we can protect.
Medical Records and Photos
Treatment records and photos of your burns as they heal.
Fire Department Reports
Reports on the cause and origin of the fire or explosion.
The Product Itself
Keep the device, clothing, or part. Do not repair it or throw it away.
Scene Photos and Video
Pictures of the area, any damage, and nearby cameras.
Safety and Inspection Records
Maintenance logs, alarm checks, and code inspections.
Workplace Records
Training, safety reports, and OSHA records for job-site burns.
Witness Statements
People who saw what happened or smelled gas.
Expert Analysis
Fire investigators, engineers, burn doctors, and cost-of-care planners.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Under Texas law, burn injury victims may recover for the harm they have suffered, including:
Medical Bills
Emergency care, surgeries, skin grafts, therapy, and future treatment.
Lost Income
Time off work and lost earning capacity if you cannot return.
Pain and Suffering
The physical pain and what it takes from your daily life.
Disfigurement
Permanent scarring or loss of function.
Mental Anguish
Emotional distress, PTSD, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Punitive Damages
In rare cases of fraud, malice, or gross negligence. Texas law caps these and requires clear proof.
Our firm has helped Houston families recover hundreds of millions of dollars in serious injury and negligence cases. See our case results.
What to Do After a Burn Injury
1
Right away
Get emergency care
Call 911 for serious burns. Do not wait to see how it looks tomorrow.
2
As you heal
Document your injuries
Take photos of your burns and the scene, and keep every medical record.
3
Right away
Keep the evidence
Hold on to the product, clothing, or part involved. Do not repair or discard it.
4
Before anyone calls
Avoid statements to insurers
Insurers may try to use your words to shrink your claim. Report the incident in writing and say little else.
5
As soon as possible
Call The Miller Law Firm
Speak with a Houston burn injury lawyer at (713) 572-3333.
Watch for illegal solicitation. If a caller, case runner, or someone claiming to represent a law firm contacts you about your burn injury before you have reached out to anyone, that contact may be illegal under Texas law. See our guide on what to do if a lawyer contacts you first.
Burned because of someone else's negligence?
You should not carry the medical bills alone. Call The Texas Bulldog for a free case review today.
How Our Burn Injury Lawyers Help
Our team knows how to investigate these difficult cases. Here is what you can expect.
Free consultation
We review your case and explain your options.
Find the cause
We identify what caused the fire, explosion, or burn, whether it was a workplace hazard, a vehicle, or a defective product.
Project the costs
We work with medical experts to estimate long-term treatment, rehab, and reconstructive care.
Negotiate
We push back on insurers that undervalue burn claims.
Go to trial if needed
If a fair settlement is not offered, we are prepared to take your case to court.
How Much Does a Burn Injury Lawyer Cost?
The Texas Bulldog works on a contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
$0Upfront to hire us
$0Unless we win your case
$0For your first consultation
We front the costs of investigating and litigating your case, including experts and court costs. If we win, those costs come out of the recovery. If we do not, we absorb the loss ourselves.
Client Reviews
Nothing builds trust like hearing directly from the people we have helped. Here is what some of our clients say.
★★★★★
“Adam Miller and his staff are very kind, respectful and professional. They handled my situation very well and made me feel comfortable. I was even able to speak to him directly if I had to discuss any concern I had. I definitely recommend them.”
G Rodriguez
Google Review
★★★★★
“Miller Law Firm is your best choice if you are ever in an accident. They were with me every step of the way and helped me win big! Excellent customer service and an attorney that truly cares! Highly recommend!”
Devin Hebert
Google Review
★★★★★
“Adam Miller is representing me in regards to a vehicle related accident. He is honest, straight forward, and made me feel comfortable during a time of uncertainty. Do not hesitate to call the Miller Law Firm!”
Reed Harding
Google Review
★★★★★
“If you are ever in an accident contact the Miller Law Firm. They are so helpful and reliable. The staff there are amazing and knowledgeable about your case. If they don't know they will find out. Mr. Miller is amazing and funny. It's a Texas BullDog thing.”
Tericka Marshall
Google Review
Related Guides and Practice Areas
These pages go deeper on injuries and claims that often overlap with burn cases.
Catastrophic Injury LawyerLife-changing injuries and long-term care.Read the guide →Wrongful DeathWhen a burn injury is fatal.Read the guide →Refinery Accidents in TexasInjuries, rights, and how to get justice.Read the guide →Home Fire ClaimsProperty damage after a house fire.Read the guide →Houston Pipeline ExplosionYour legal rights after a pipeline explosion.Read the guide →Texas Statute of Limitations GuideFiling deadlines for injury claims.Read the guide →
Burn Injury FAQs
Here are answers to common questions from burn injury victims in Houston and across Texas.
What compensation can I recover after a burn injury?
Compensation may include medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, disfigurement, and mental anguish. In rare cases of fraud, malice, or gross negligence, punitive damages may be available. Every case is different.
How long do I have to file a burn injury claim in Texas?
Generally, you have two years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. A child’s deadline is generally paused until age 18, and claims against a government entity can require written notice within about six months. Contact an attorney as soon as possible.
Do burn injury cases usually settle?
Many injury claims settle before trial, but not all do. If an insurer refuses a fair offer, we are prepared to file suit and take the case to court.
How much does it cost to hire a burn injury lawyer?
Our burn injury attorneys work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no upfront fees, and we only get paid if we win for you.
Can I sue if a defective product caused my burns?
Yes. Texas product liability law allows claims against manufacturers of defective products. A store that only sold the product is liable in more limited situations. Texas also generally bars product claims filed more than 15 years after the product was first sold.
What are common long-term effects of burn injuries?
Burn survivors often face permanent scarring, limited movement, nerve damage, chronic pain, and emotional trauma. Many need ongoing treatment for years.
What if my burns happened at work?
It depends on whether your employer carries workers’ compensation. If it does, you can get benefits but generally cannot sue the employer, though you may have a claim against a third party. If your employer opted out, you may be able to sue for negligence. Call us before you sign anything.
Can I claim emotional distress from burn injuries?
Yes. Texas law allows recovery for mental anguish tied to a physical injury, including PTSD, anxiety, and depression linked to the burn.
How do insurance companies try to fight burn claims?
Insurers may argue your burns are not as severe as you say, delay payment, or deny part of your claim. They may also push you toward a quick settlement before the long-term costs are known.
What evidence is needed in a burn injury case?
Evidence may include medical records, photographs of your burns, witness statements, fire department reports, safety and maintenance records, the product involved, and expert testimony. Thorough documentation is key.
Who is responsible if I was burned in a rental home or apartment?
A landlord may be responsible if the fire or burn came from a hazard they knew about or should have fixed, such as faulty wiring or missing smoke alarms. Texas law requires landlords to install smoke alarms in rental units. The facts of your case decide who is liable.
What if my child was burned?
Scalds from hot water, steam, and grease are a leading cause of burns in young children. A child’s filing deadline is generally paused until age 18, but evidence still fades, so talk to a lawyer promptly. Our consultation is free.
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Contact Our Burn Injury Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has suffered a burn injury in Texas, you do not have to face the medical bills, insurance companies, or legal system alone. Whether your claim has been delayed, denied, or underpaid, or you are just beginning the process, we are here to help.
At The Miller Law Firm — Home of The Texas Bulldog, you get a free, no-obligation consultation, fast response times, and no fees unless we win. We have helped Texans recover after workplace explosions, house fires, chemical burns, and vehicle fires.
Call (713) 572-3333 or visit us at 4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 900, Houston, TX 77056.




Our Houston Office
Address4900 Woodway Drive, Suite 900
Houston, TX 77056
Houston, TX 77056
Phone(713) 572-3333
HoursMon–Fri: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Sat: Appointment Only
Sat: Appointment Only
ParkingFree covered garage parking for all clients visiting our Houston office